Healthy teeth are essential to good oral health, each tooth containing living pulp with blood vessels and nerves, typically free of bacteria. However, bacteria can enter through decay, injury, wear, or gum disease. Root canal treatment removes bacteria, removes infection, and prevents re-infection by sealing the tooth.
The duration of a root canal treatment depends on factors like the affected tooth and the extend of the infection. Fortunately, modern techniques are more efficient and comfortable than ever.
In this guide, we’ll explain how long a root canal takes and break down the steps to help you prepare for your visit to Enhance Dental Centre.
How long does it take to do a root canal?
For a simple root canal, the procedure usually takes 30 to 90 minutes if the tooth has a single canal. However, plan for about 90 minutes in the chair, as steps like anesthesia, nerve removal, cleaning, and disinfection add time. Some teeth have multiple canals, which can also extend the procedure.
Molars, the large teeth at the back of your mouth, can have up to five canals, making them the most time-intensive for root canals. Treating molars often takes 90 minutes or more, with the process of removing, disinfecting, and filling the roots alone taking around an hour.
Premolars, located between your front teeth and molars, typically have one or two roots. A root canal on a premolar may take about an hour, depending on the structure of the tooth.
Incisors and canines, located at the front of your mouth and used for cutting food, each have only one root. This makes root canals on these teeth quicker, usually taking 45 minutes to an hour.
If a crown is needed, this may extend the total visit time. Some dentists can make a crown on the same day, which adds about an hour. However, it’s often recommended to wait a short time after the root canal to allow for healing before placing a crown.
Key Steps of the Root Canal and Their Time Requirements
Root canal treatment consists of several essential steps, each intended to thoroughly clean, disinfect, and seal the affected tooth to prevent future infection. Here’s an overview of how long each phase of a root canal typically takes:
Examination and Anesthesia (10-15 Minutes)
- The dentist begins with an examination, often using an X-ray, to assess the tooth’s condition and plan the procedure. This helps them determine the extent of decay or infection and identify any potential complexities.
- Next, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring a comfortable, pain-free experience throughout the root canal.
Cleaning and Shaping the Root Canal (30-50 Minutes)
- Accessing the Root Canal: The dentist creates a small opening on the tooth’s surface to reach the pulp chamber and root canals.
- Removing Infected Tissue: Infected tissue is carefully removed to eliminate bacteria and decay, helping to prevent further infection.
- Cleaning and Shaping the Canals: Specialized tools and solutions are used to clean and shape the canals, preparing them for filling. This step varies in duration, especially for molars with multiple canals, as each canal must be treated thoroughly.
Sealing and Filling (20-30 Minutes)
- After cleaning, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which seals them off to prevent bacterial entry.
- Depending on the case, the dentist may place a temporary filling if multiple visits are needed, or a permanent filling or crown if the procedure is completed in one session. Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a comfortable bite.
Factors That Can Extend the Duration of a Root Canal
Several factors can affect how long a root canal takes, including:
Tooth Anatomy
Teeth with multiple or curved roots, as well as those with complex canal structures, require more time to treat thoroughly. These intricate canals demand careful cleaning and sealing to ensure all infected tissue is removed, which adds to the procedure’s duration.
Location of the Tooth
Molars, located at the back of the mouth, often have up to five long canals, making them harder to access. This complexity requires more time and precision, making root canals on molars typically more time-consuming than procedures on front teeth.
Extent of Infection or Damage
Teeth with severe decay, infection, or abscesses often require extra time for thorough cleaning and disinfection. This ensures that all bacteria are fully removed, which may involve additional treatment steps compared to less infected teeth.
Dentist’s Experience
An experienced endodontist or very experienced dentists at Enhance Dental Centre may perform root canals more quickly and efficiently than other general dentists. Familiarity with complex procedures allows specialized and experienced dentists to streamline the process while maintaining precision.
Patient Factors
Patients with additional oral infections, such as gum disease, may require longer treatment due to the higher levels of bacteria complicating disinfection. Additionally, patient comfort needs, like breaks, can also impact the procedure time.
Necessity for Additional Procedures
Many teeth require a dental crown after a root canal to restore function and strength. This often involves a follow-up visit for impressions/scans, custom crown fabrication, and fitting. In some cases, a temporary seal may be placed until infection reduction is confirmed.
What are the signs to know you need a root canal?
If you have an infected tooth, you might need a root canal to clear the infection. While some infected teeth don’t show any symptoms, common signs can include:
- Tooth Pain: Persistent pain in a tooth may signal an infection. Pain that radiates to the jaw, face, or nearby teeth, or pain when biting or touching the tooth, can also indicate nerve damage.
- Loose Tooth: Pus from an infected pulp can weaken the surrounding bone, causing the tooth to feel loose.
- Swollen Gums: Infections can lead to gum swelling or tenderness around the affected tooth.
- Pimple on Your Gums: Infected teeth may cause pimples or boils on the gums that leak foul-smelling pus.
- Discolored Tooth: An infection in the pulp can cut off blood flow, resulting in a darkened or discolored tooth.
- Swollen Jaw: A buildup of pus from an infection may cause the jaw to swell, especially if drainage is blocked.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures can indicate an underlying infection.
Is it painful to get a root canal?
Root canals are often thought to be painful, but modern techniques make them as comfortable as a filling. Local anesthesia numbs the area, so you’ll feel little to no pain during the procedure.
Once the anesthesia wears off, mild soreness may occur but is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most people find that the relief from infection pain outweighs any temporary discomfort from the procedure.
Conclusion
A root canal is a straightforward and effective treatment, typically completed in one or two appointments, each lasting 60 to 90 minutes. While each case is unique, most patients find the procedure easier than expected due to modern techniques and skilled professionals.
At Enhance Dental Centre, our experienced team ensures a smooth, comfortable experience with personalized care. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been advised to consider a root canal, contact us to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help restore your smile and dental health.
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